Marlena Milwiw-Baron, a celebrated Polish actress and beloved grandmother to musician Aleksander Baron, has passed away at the age of 93. Her death on May 1, 2025, was confirmed by her long-time friend Krystyna Demska-Olbrychska, who had planned to meet with Milwiw-Baron just days later.
Born on September 22, 1931, in Lviv, Marlena’s journey in the arts began early. After World War II, she moved to Warsaw, where she graduated from the State Higher School of Theater in 1955. Her stage debut occurred a year earlier at the Nowy Theater in Warsaw, where she performed in the play "Niemcy" by Leon Kruczkowski.
Milwiw-Baron's career spanned decades, during which she captivated audiences in various theaters across Poland, including in Wrocław, where she also taught at the Academy of Music. She made her film debut in 1962 in the movie "Jak być kochaną," directed by Wojciech Has. Over the years, she gained a loyal following through her roles in popular television series such as "Warto kochać," "Pierwsza miłość," "Licencja na wychowanie," and "Świat według Kiepskich," where she appeared in one of the show's early episodes titled "Wiara czyni cuda."
Despite retiring over a decade ago, Milwiw-Baron remained a vibrant figure in the arts community. She lived in the House of Veteran Artists of Polish Stages in Skolimów, a place she described as a sanctuary filled with care and respect. "I live here like in a cloud. It is a wonderful place. The park is beautiful, and I have one of the prettiest apartments in the whole house. The care is excellent; I wish everyone could enjoy such old age," she shared in a 2023 interview.
Her health challenges were significant; for 20 years, she lived with a pacemaker and bravely overcame sepsis, a condition that she candidly discussed in interviews. "I had something that normal people don’t survive," she remarked, reflecting on her resilience.
The news of her passing has left a profound impact on those who knew her. Demska-Olbrychska recounted her shock at learning about Milwiw-Baron’s death, which came just two days before their planned meeting. "I was getting ready to visit her in Piaseczno, where she had been taken to the hospital. Then I received a message from her son, Piotr, saying, 'Mama nie żyje' (Mom has died)," she wrote on social media, expressing her sorrow.
Marlena Milwiw-Baron was not only a talented actress but also a cherished family member. She was the mother of musician Piotr Baron and grandmother to Aleksander Milwiw-Baron, known for his work with the band Afromental and as a judge on "The Voice of Poland." Their relationship was particularly close; Aleksander has often spoken about the significant influence his grandmother had on his life and artistry. In a heartfelt message shared with the media, he expressed, "Grandma Marlena, I send you my regards and kisses."
Throughout her life, Milwiw-Baron received numerous accolades for her contributions to Polish culture, including the Gold Cross of Merit in 1978, the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 1988, and the Gold Medal 'Meritorious for Culture Gloria Artis' in 2007. These honors reflect her lasting impact on the arts and her dedication to the craft.
As tributes pour in from friends and colleagues, the legacy of Marlena Milwiw-Baron will undoubtedly live on. Her talent, charisma, and spirit enriched the lives of many, leaving indelible marks on the hearts of her family, friends, and fans alike. The President of the Foundation for Veteran Artists of Polish Stages, Marlena Miarczyńska, expressed the collective grief felt in Skolimów, stating, "It is yet another great loss and immense sadness for us all."
In remembering Marlena Milwiw-Baron, we celebrate not just her artistic achievements but her role as a beloved matriarch whose influence extended beyond the stage and screen, shaping the lives of those around her.
